State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://http://travel.state.gov/

Bangladesh - On June 24 the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued the following Warden Message: "A countrywide general strike, or hartal, is being called for Sunday, June 27. "A hartal can involve a total shutdown of the country. Hartals can also turn violent if hartal supporters decide to enforce the shut down, for example by closing businesses or stopping traffic. In major cities, we expect actions to enforce the hartal to center around downtown or commercial districts, though there is the possibility that enforcement actions could spread more broadly. The travel of U.S. Embassy employees and their family members is restricted to the Diplomatic Enclave (Banani, Baridhara and Gulshan) on June 27. We advise all U.S. citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise routine personal security awareness and encouraged to avoid crowds. The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation. "Please monitor the local media for updates. English language local news is available on the following channels at the following times: ATN - 1800; Bangla Vision - 2105; BTV - 2200; BTV - 2330 (also broadcasts by all local satellite stations: ATN, Channel I, NTV, RTV, Bangla Vision, and Boishaki).

Bosnia - On June 25 the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo issued the following Warden Message: "U.S. Embassy Sarajevo sends this warden message to alert U.S. citizens living and traveling in Bosnia and Herzegovina of security concerns that may exist, given recent events outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to members of the Jewish community, and to institutions and NGOs that may be considered sympathetic to Israel. We therefore remind U.S. citizens to exercise caution if within the vicinity of these institutions and to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. "The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as many terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas."

Burundi - On June 29 the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura issued the following Warden Message: "While the June 28 Presidential election was generally calm, the countrywide security situation remains tense because of several incidents which occurred before and immediately after the election. Trends of particular concern include: continuing grenade attacks in public areas, including near the European Union election observer's headquarters, and on well-traveled thoroughfares in the center of Bujumbura; and the tense relations among political parties, their respective youth groups and security forces. "Because of this ongoing security situation, the U.S. Embassy continues to recommend that U.S. citizens minimize movement and avoid travel after dark through areas with high concentrations of businesses, restaurants, or bars. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert, maintain situational awareness, and to take appropriate precautions throughout the remainder of the electoral season. Elections are currently planned for July 23 - National Assembly Deputies; July 28 - Senate; and September 7 - local 'colline' councils. "Embassy Bujumbura continues to restrict movement of U.S. citizens working at the Embassy. Until further notice, embassy employees may not, travel to or frequent public gathering places, such as restaurants and bars, between the hours of 6:30 pm and dawn, Exceptions require the prior approval of the Regional Security Office. The Central Market, too, remains off -limits regardless of time of day. Embassy Bujumbura recommends all U.S. citizens take similar precautions. Embassy Bujumbura will review these embassy restrictions periodically and inform you of any changes."

Dominican Republic - On June 25 the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo issued the following Warden Message: "This warden message alerts U.S. citizens residing and traveling in the Dominican Republic to exercise caution in coastal areas and floodplains near rivers and creeks descending from mountainous areas of the country affected by recent rains. The Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a Red Alert for the following provinces affected by heavy rains and flooding: Santo Domingo, Barahona, San Cristobal, El Seibo, National District, San Juan de la Maguana, San Jose de Ocoa, San Pedro de Macoris y Monte Plata. Red Alerts are declared when a weather phenomenon or other event has a high probability of impacting a specific zone which could result in damage to property, transportation infrastructure, the environment, and people. Yellow (medium probability) and Green alerts (low probability) have been issued for other areas of the country. Landslides are a continuing threat in rural areas. Urban flooding has created hazards for drivers. Additionally, COE has advised that small watercraft on the Atlantic and Caribbean Coasts as well as Samana Peninsula should remain in port, due to abnormal winds and tides. "Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) has cautioned those who reside in the mostly rural areas close to rivers, streams, and canals to guard against rising waters and possible overflows. Do not attempt to cross rising rivers, canals, and streams. The National Meteorological Office and COE call for scattered light showers in the next few days; despite improving conditions, they recommend caution in coastal areas, including resorts, due to abnormally high winds and waves."

Haiti - On June 24 the U.S. Department of State issued the following updated Travel Warning for Haiti, which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince. This replaces the Travel Warning for Haiti dated March 15, 2010, and provides updated information for U.S. citizens in Haiti. "The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti. The January 12 earthquake caused significant damage to key infrastructure and access to basic services remains limited. The country continues to experience shortages of food, drinking water, transportation and adequate shelter. The earthquake significantly reduced the capacity of Port-au-Prince's medical facilities and inadequate public sanitation poses serious health risks. While the Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services has improved in the months following the earthquake, it is still limited. The level of violent crime in Port-au-Prince, including murder and kidnapping, remains high.

"Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the ground. Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space. Cash donations also support Haiti's local economy and ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered. The following website has information on how to assist in the Haiti earthquake relief effort: http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake "U.S. citizens who intend to work for an organization involved in relief efforts in Haiti should be aware that living conditions are difficult, and the availability of food supplies, clean drinking water and adequate shelter in Haiti is limited. U.S. citizens seeking work with a relief organization should confirm before traveling to Haiti that the organization has the capability to provide food, water, transportation, and shelter for its paid and volunteer workers. All relief organizations should have a security plan in place for their personnel.

"Strong aftershocks are likely for months after an earthquake. In the event of an aftershock, persons outside should avoid falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings and other structures that may collapse. If indoors, take shelter beside furniture, not underneath. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Do not use matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case there are disrupted gas lines. "U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti despite this warning are reminded that there remains a persistent danger of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and kidnapping. In particular, there have been a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were attacked and robbed while traveling in cars away from the airport. At least two American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent months. Police authorities believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the United States, following them, and attacking once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature, and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender, or age. Some kidnap victims have been killed, shot, sexually assaulted, or physically abused. While the capacity and capabilities of the Haitian National Police have improved since 2006, the presence of UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) peacekeeping troops and UN-formed police units remain critical to maintaining an adequate level of security throughout the country. The lack of civil protections in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law enforcement to resolve crime, further compounds the security threat to American citizens.

"While MINUSTAH remains fully deployed and is assisting the Government of Haiti in providing security, travel is always hazardous within Port-au-Prince. U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. Some areas are off-limits to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince. The Embassy restricts travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the prevailing road, weather, or security conditions. This may constrain our ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations and violence may occasionally limit Embassy operations to emergency services, even within Port-au-Prince. ..."

Mexico - On June 29 the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros released the following Warden Message: "This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico that the National Hurricane Center (NHC), www.nhc.noaa.gov, has issued an alert for a tropical storm system that is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico. A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico from the mouth of the Rio Grande to La Cruz (east of Aldama and south of Soto la Marina). "The National Hurricane Center reported today at 7:00 A.M. Central Standard Time (CST) that tropical storm Alex is now moving toward the north-northwest with maximum sustained winds at 70 mph, 110 km/hr. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Alex is likely to become a hurricane later today.

"Alex is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over portions of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas during the next few days. Additional rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible over portions of southern Mexico through today. Tropical storm conditions are expected to approach the coast within the hurricane and tropical storm warning areas on Wednesday making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. "A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above ground level along the immediate coast near and to the north of where the center makes landfall. The surge could penetrate inland as far as several miles from the shore with depth generally decreasing as the water moves inland.

The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Alex's track, and will issue updated messages as necessary. U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents at all times (i.e., U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID, etc.) or secure them in safe, waterproof locations. We also suggest that U.S. citizens contact friends and family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts. "Should a situation require an evacuation from an overseas location, the State Department will work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens are repatriated as safely and efficiently as possible. Commercial airlines are the Department's primary source of transportation in an evacuation; other means of transport are utilized only as a last resort. The Department of State will not provide no-cost transportation, but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. U.S. citizens should obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone regions overseas can prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit in a waterproof container that includes a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and vital documents (especially passport and other identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic resources and may have limited medical and food supplies. "U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to stay aware of area weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends of their whereabouts and remain in close contact with their tour operators, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in a weather emergency."